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EDUCATION SPENDING PER PUPIL UP TO RECORD LEVELS   Minister for Schools and Learners Jim Knight has announced the first ever three-year school funding settlement for every local authority in England for 2008-11.    The stable funding deal will build on the record investment of the last 10 years and support the drive to further raise the attainment of all children.   The settlement should narrow the gap in educational achievement between disadvantaged children and their peers. On top of the basic increases there is significant additional funding to support personalisation and special educational needs, progression, additional cash for schools in pockets of deprivation, extended schools and an extended offer to three and four year olds.   Overall average per pupil funding, including capital and ICT spending, will reach £6,600 – doubling in real terms since 1997.  Labour Children Families & Education spokesman at KCC - Cllr. Clive Hart said ‘I’m delighted that Mr. Knight has put special focus on funding for personalised learning, early intervention to prevent children falling behind and given attention to those with special educational needs.    Targeting funding for disadvantaged areas also has to be the right thing to do’.